Holy Land Pilgrimage 2011
August 31
Our final full day. Many of us rose early to watch the sun rise over Galilee, from the first moments the sun appeared over the mountain tops until it was high in the sky took less than fifteen minutes but the sight was spectacular.
We gathered on the Mount of Beatitudes under cloudy skies to share the words of the Sermon on the Mount separating the spend time in silent personal reflection on the message we had heard.The site is a beautifully kept and manicured retreat and reflection centre full of peacefully secluded spots with fabulous views of the Sea and the surrounding mountain ranges.
We gathered again for Mass at Tabgah, the site on the shores where Jesus fed the multitude with loaves and fishes. The altar table was constructed of local rocks with large flat topped rock for the sacrifice of the Mass. Outdoors, with a gentle breeze cooling us and whispering in the reeds, sun dappling the altar and ourselves and the sight and sound of moving water it was easy to feel the closeness of Our Lord. The skies grew clearer and the temperature began rising as we headed for lunch at St Peters Restaurant a Christian run business. Our main course consisted of St Peters fish, so called because it is marked with what looks like a thumbprint just behind the head. The braver souls had the fish whole whilst the more delicate opted for a filleted version. I have to admit it was not the prettiest sight but was absolutely delicious.
As the temperature continued to rise we were grateful that our next experience was out on Galilee itself in a boat which was gently rocked by a cooling breeze. We sailed steadily round the north end of the lake in a large loop now able to see along the shore line all the places that Jesus frequented. The engines stopped briefly whilst we heard the account of Jesus calming the storm and contemplated it's meaning for us, the engines started all too quickly as the crew were afraid that given the strong winds they may stall and have to be towed ashore!
Our last port of call for the day were by the banks of the Jordan, not the site of Jesus' baptism that we denied access to earlier, but a culvert just below Tiberius. It seemed quite fitting that one of our last acts of Pilgrimage was to renew our Baptismal Vows standing by and using the waters of this special river.
Back at the Hotel we bade fond farewell to our excellent driver Jawad (he has to go to Jordan tomorrow) before going to spend a last few hours resting, sunbathing or packing before our departure for our final leg of the journey. I think we all feel a sadness at the impending completion of this trip but share a sense that our Journey of Faith will continue on our return home.
I don't know when I will be able to complete this Blog. Perhaps there will be wifi at Ben Gurion Airport - otherwise it may be from back in Liverpool.
If you have had the patience to follow this, thank you. We will continue to keep you in our prayer, please pray for our safe return - God Bless
A Pilgrim
Photogallery
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